For the break I went to Idaho to stay on the ranch. I had lunch with uncle Harold in La Grande on the way over. I spent a lot of time hanging out with family and playing around on the ranch. I spent some time working up a handload for my .270 win. I found a hot 140 grain ballistic tip load that is shooting fast and accurate. I also loaded up some 150 grain elk loads. I also made a duck call on my uncles lathe out of a chunk of willow. I took the reeds and other parts from a plastic duck call and fitted them to my custom call. We were also fortunate enough to have good ice for playing black and blue pond hockey. We played several days including a Christmas day right after dinner. I skied at Bogus Basin on the 27th with my aunt Mary. Other than that I read two C.J. box books and played a lot of pinochle. I am still undecided as to what my new years plans are but I will be in Portland or at Black Butte for the weekend.
